Dani Gibson named Sunrisers Leeds captain for Women's Hundred 2026

England allrounder Dani Gibson will lead Sunrisers Leeds in the 2026 Women's Hundred after securing a record £190,000 deal.

New leader in charge Dani Gibson, the seam-bowling allrounder currently in England's T20 World Cup squad, takes over as Sunrisers Leeds captain for the 2026 Women's Hundred. Despite lacking prior senior captaincy experience, she has been entrusted with the leadership role. Her appointment follows the departure of Hollie Armitage, who steered Northern Superchargers to the title in the previous season before switching to MI London at the auction. ## Record fee seals move Gibson became the focal point of a fierce auction battle between Sunrisers Leeds and Welsh Fire, ultimately agreeing to a £190,000 contract. This figure makes her the highest-paid English player in the history of the women's Hundred competition. Reflecting on the auction aftermath, she admitted feeling uneasy, telling The Cricketer this month: 'I really didn't enjoy the week after… It wasn't the nicest period, although it is such an amazing thing.' ## Experienced hands to guide her Gibson will have several seasoned teammates to rely on during her captaincy, including Kate Cross, Jess Jonassen, and Lauren Winfield-Hill. Kate Cross, retained by Sunrisers before the auction, is expected to play a key supporting role in the leadership group. Cross added her perspective on the pressures of modern cricket, noting: 'It'll probably be a challenge for her, but that's what cricket looks like now. There's nowhere to hide. No matter what you're earning, there's press at every game now… It really does feel like there's pressure on everyone, all the time.' ## England form boosts confidence Cross also highlighted Gibson's recent performances for England, suggesting they indicate a growing clarity in her approach. 'What we're seeing with her in an England shirt at the minute is her finding that role, and her clarity of how she plays her cricket. She's going to be a great addition for us up in Leeds,' Cross remarked. ## Other captains confirmed The 2026 season will see several high-profile players named as franchise captains. Alongside Gibson at Sunrisers Leeds, Armitage leads MI London while Charlie Dean has been appointed by London Spirit. Earlier announcements confirmed Ellyse Perry as Birmingham Phoenix captain and Meg Lanning as Manchester Super Giants captain before the March auction took place.